Summertime’s in Beijing see temperatures hovering around between 30-40 degrees. This may be normal for the locals, but for those coming from cooler climates abroad, whether it be holidaying, school exchange or work, dealing with these immense temperatures can take quite a toll on the body.

Health risks for prolonged heat exposure

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot.

Beware of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during:

▶ Heatwaves

▶ Hot climates

▶ Or undertaking very strenuous physical exercise

Heat exhaustion is where you become very hot and start to lose water or salt from your body, symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse. Heat exhaustion is one of the three heat-related syndromes, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe.

Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool itself and a person’s body temperature becomes dangerously high. Heatstroke is less common, but more serious. It can put a strain on the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, and can be life-threatening. If heat exhaustion isn’t spotted and treated early on, there’s a risk it could lead to heatstroke.

Sunstroke on the other hand is when someone is exposed to direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time causing the same symptoms and problems as a heatstroke.

At-risk groups

Anyone can develop heat exhaustion or heatstroke during a heatwave or while doing heavy exercise in hot weather. However, some people are at a higher risk.

These include:

Age

▶the elderly

▶babies and young children

Health conditions

▶ people with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems

▶ people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example, from gastroenteritis)

If you suspect that someone has heatstroke, immediately call 999/120 or transport the person to a hospital. Any delay seeking medical help can be fatal.

Call for an ambulance when:

▶ the person doesn’t respond to the above treatment within 30 minutes

▶ the person has severe symptoms, such a loss of consciousness, confusion or seizures

In the event of a person being unconscious, you should follow the steps above for cooling them down and place the person in the recovery position until help arrives. If they have a seizure, more nearby objects out of the way to prevent injury.